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Thursday, September 29, 2016

My Favorites at Toy Insider's Holiday of Play

Last week I attended the Toy Insider “Holiday of Play Fall 2016 Toy
Showcase.” Among the bustling crowd of media and bloggers were toy companies
displaying and demonstrating their top toys for this holiday season.I always enjoy these events and learn a
lot.Then I try to step back and think
about what grandparents would like to give to their grandchildren.And so my favorites list is personal and
usually different than what the PR is all about.Here are MY favorites from the show.

Octotunes
by Lamaze (TOMY)

Octotunes by Lamaze (TOMY)

This is a large colorful soft toy that can be enjoyed by the smallest
baby and older ones too.It has 8 legs
and a different note is sounded when you squeeze each leg.The package has color coded songs so you can
play a familiar tune even if you can’t read music.Eye catching and will be fun to play with a
baby.

Once
Upon a Craft – The Gingerbread Man by Educational Insights

Once Upon a Craft -Gingerbread by Educational Insights

This is an easy craft project that is excellent for grandparents and
grandchildren to enjoy together.You
start by reading the 24 page storybook and then the foam gingerbread man can be
decorated with the stickers provided.There are also 7 ready to color finger puppets and decorative frame that
can be used as a puppet show stage.This
low cost all-in-one package craft is an excellent item to have on hand for when
your grandchildren visit.Perfect
sleepover activity.

Betty
Spaghetty – Popstar Betty by Moose

Betty Spaghetty Popstar

Betty Spaghetty dolls were very popular in the 1990s and discontinued
in the early 2000s.She is back this year
and expected to be a big hit.When I opened
my swag bag my 7 year old grandson knew right away who she was.There are 12 different themed dolls available
in single packs.This is the popstar and
she comes with 21 interchangeable parts.To get a better idea of how you play with her watch this video:

I haven’t met a boy aged 4 – 8 who isn’t a TMNT fan.I bet you haven’t either.This new game has a plastic “mayhem collision
rail” that flips the characters over and the game figures pop up for
battle.The first player with four
slices of pizza wins.This is an action
oriented game – fun for TMNT fans and action oriented kids.

Shopkins
Happy Places House Playset by Moose

Shopkins Happy Places House Playset

Shopkins is the largest selling collectible on the market.Boys and Girls love collecting and playing
with these cute little shopping items.Now Moose is introducing the Happy Places line which provide dolls and playset settings to enjoy with your
shopkins.

Geckobot
by Thames and Kosmos

Geckobot by Thames and Kosmos

This is an amazing building set for older kids. You build a wall
climbing robot – Geckobot - with an air
suction system that allows the robot to walk vertically up walls.There are six other building models with
accompanying physics experiments making this an excellent learning opportunity
while having great fun. Geckobot is
also an excellent project for a grandparent to participate in.

I hope you enjoyed these reviews. All the pictures were taken by me as seen at the show - no stock photos here. Please leave your comments and let me know what you think of these toys. Here I am as I arrived:

Thank you, thank you. Didn't you do this last year also? I believe I got some good toy ideas from you. I see a few things on here that I need to add to the Christmas list for some of my grandkids. The Shopkins house! Geckobot!

About Me

This blog highlights my perspective as a grandmother and mother.I love being a grandmother and this stage of life and use my blog to share my experiences. I am also doing product reviews in the genre of the mommy bloggers and enjoying my relationship with that group also. I attend the annual giant Toy Fair NY and other showcases throughout the year and enjoy sharing what's new, classis and "grandparent friendly" with my readers. Follow me on facebook as I have lots of great posts that grandparents love. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/grandmachronicles/